BEIJING, July 21 (Xinhua) -- China's top legislator Zhang Dejiangpledged Tuesday to advance democratic development in Hong Kong legally and gradually as he met with a delegation of businesspeople from the region.

Zhang, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, made the remarks to a group from the Hong Kong-based Chinese General Chamber of Commerce (CGCC), which was led by Charles Yeung, CGCC chairman and a national political advisor from Hong Kong.

After listening to delegation members' opinions on Hong Kong's development, Zhang said the central government's policies for Hong Kong have always been clear and consistent.

The central government will always adhere to the principles of "one country, two systems," "Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong" and a high degree of autonomy in Hong Kong, Zhang said.

He said the central government will stand firm in adhering to the Hong Kong Basic Law and advancing the region's democratic development in a legal, orderly and gradual manner.

He also pledged efforts to maintain long-term prosperity and stability in Hong Kong and safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests.

The top legislator called on CGCC members to carry on the organization's patriotic tradition and support the administration of Hong Kong's chief executive and the Hong Kong government.

Sun Chunlan, head of the United Front Work Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, also attended the meeting.

The Hong Kong legislative council last month vetoed a motion of the proposed universal suffrage for selection of the region's next chief executive. It means that in 2017 the region's fifth chief executive will be selected by an election committee as before.

Hours after the veto, the NPC Standing Committee said its decision on Hong Kong's electoral reforms made last August will remain in force, stressing that the direction toward universal suffrage and the legal principles laid down in the decision must continue to be upheld.